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Cardiovascular

Cholesterol Ratio

The cholesterol ratio compares total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol (total cholesterol รท HDL). Because HDL is cardioprotective while total cholesterol includes all lipoprotein particles, this ratio captures the balance between atherogenic and protective cholesterol in a single number.

A cholesterol ratio below 4.0 is generally considered low risk; above 5.0 indicates elevated cardiovascular risk; above 6.0 indicates high risk. The ratio is useful because it incorporates HDL โ€” meaning a high total cholesterol with very high HDL may actually carry low risk, while a borderline total cholesterol with very low HDL may carry significant risk. Australian cardiovascular guidelines use this ratio alongside absolute lipid values for risk stratification.